May 14, 2019
Yamaha Becomes Exclusive Motor Sponsor For B.A.S.S. Conservation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials announced today that Yamaha is now the official motor sponsor for B.A.S.S. Conservation.
As part of the deal, Yamaha is providing 115-horsepower Yamaha outboards for all four of the B.A.S.S. Live Release Boats used to return bass safely to their home waters after weigh-ins. The boats also feature a special wrap displaying Yamaha logos.
“B.A.S.S. has had a longstanding, excellent relationship with Yamaha,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “Both companies are active in vital conservation missions that benefit all fishermen. So, this partnership makes sense from every angle.”
In addition to recognizing Yamaha as the exclusive motor sponsor of the Live Release Boats, Yamaha and B.A.S.S. have agreed to work closely together on many conservation projects affecting both freshwater and saltwater initiatives.
“We have a long record of leadership in resource conservation,” said Martin Peters, Yamaha Marine senior manager, Government Relations. “That’s why we are proud to be the official conservation partner of B.A.S.S. We are dedicated to protecting fisheries for future generations, and we look forward to attacking the growing problem of invasive species in our North American rivers and lakes.
“The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation says that our fish and wildlife belong to all Americans and should be managed in such a way that they will be available forever. Yamaha believes in this model and is the only outboard manufacturer with a published code of ethics by which all Yamaha employees and pro anglers abide.”
“Yamaha and B.A.S.S. have a parallel conservation vision,” said Gene Gilliland, national conservation director for B.A.S.S. “We both understand that clean water and healthy fisheries are vital to the future of bass fishing. Their track record of success in saltwater fisheries policy is very impressive, and we hope to leverage that success when we are battling threats to freshwater recreational fishing such as invasive species.”
Yamaha has been active in fighting threats to sportfishing in saltwater fisheries, including opposing the expansion of longline fishing off the east coast of Florida and supporting legislation to phase out the use of large-mesh drift gillnets along the California coast, he noted.
“We will be working together to advocate for scientific fishery management, protect and enhance fish habitat, secure access to public waters and educate anglers on techniques to maximize the survival of released fish. In addition to working with state and federal agencies on fishery policy, we hope to engage B.A.S.S. members in grassroots efforts that address local issues — and encourage those anglers to become advocates for our conservation vision in the political arena.”
For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.